As I drove up to Karlee’s hedge, and, tossing the reins to my syce,[14] passed under the tamarind-trees to the little porch, the old man came out to meet me with unwonted precipitation; and, although he maintained with admirable presence of mind that imperturbable gravity, that tranquil, expectant self-possession, which is the study of a Hindoo’s life, and to which he gives all his mind from the time when he first begins to have any, ever solicitous to be master of himself though China fall, it was not difficult on this occasion to detect in the fluttering lights and shades of his countenance an expression mixed of astonishment, gratification, and confusion, very natural to a poor bhearer who had never before been taken by a Sahib in the very bosom of his family.  There was something at once pitiful and comical in the subdued “fidget” with which, applying his joined palms to his forehead, and lowly louting, he made his most obsequious salaam again and again.

“Master have command for Karlee?  Any wrong thing happen, master? Dhobee[15] come? Mehtur[16] not sweep room? Punka-wallah[17] run away?  Sahibs make visit? Kitmudgar not—­”

“No, no; everything all right and proper.  I have come to bring good wishes and a lucky eye to all this house, and a small salaamee, a pretty gift, for the new Suntoshum,—­the jewel that hangs on its mother’s bosom.”

“Ah! master make slave too much happy honor.  Master’s pitiful graciousness all same Barra Lard Sahib” (the Governor-General).  “Poor, foolish bhearer kiss master’s feet.”

“Well, another time for that.  Lead the way now, and let me make my salaam to your coolest mat and your largest punka, for I am hot and tired.”

“S’pose Sahib like, Belatta pawnee have got?”

“Acha; Belatta pawnee lou."[18]

Here, indeed, was a wide stride in the direction of refinement and Evangelism!  Soda-water in a bhearer’s house!  Karlee had not served the Sahibs, and observed “Young Bengal” baboos, in vain.  From Belatta pawnee to Isherryshrob and Simpkin (sherry and champagne) is not far, and well does Young Bengal know the way.

A quick glance, as I passed in, informed me that Karlee’s house consisted of four rooms; probably two sleeping apartments, one for the men and another for the women, a kitchen, and a common room for meals, family chats, and visitors.  Like all true Hindoo houses, uncorrupted by the European innovations which snobbish baboos affect, it contained but few articles of furniture, and those of the simplest and most indispensable description,—­nothing for luxury, nothing for show.  To the outfit of the poorest laborer’s domicile he added little more than a white cloth spread over checkered Chinese matting, to stand for chair, table, and bed; a cushion or two to recline upon; a few earthen vessels of the better quality, to hold rice or water; a brass lamp